Bristol House, LTD. | 1201 East 5th Street, Suite 2107 | Anderson, IN | 1-800-451-7323
November 24, 2009
Bristol on Facebook
 
Yes, as Bristol House, Ltd.’s  fearless leader, I have dragged us into the 21st Century by setting up a Bristol House fan page on Facebook. I hope we can have some fun with this. I have posted favorite products, and will be posting information on new products and some specials for facebook fans in the future. If you’re on Facebook, please join us! No Twitter page yet.
 
Sara
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November 2, 2009
 
Midwestern Blahs
 
It’s that time of year here in the Midwest when the weather turns cold, the vibrantly colored leaves fall off the trees and the days get shorter and shorter and . . .well, many of you know. I spent two days last week in Washington D.C. for the Association for Church Renewal (ACR) fall meeting. As usual, it was a mixed blessing. Several members had retired from leadership in their denominational renewal groups. The Lutherans are reorganizing after a difficult conference in Minneapolis last summer. The Presbyterians are dealing with property issues as churches leave the PCUSA. The United Methodists are holding steady. Most encouraging are signs of renewal in the United Church of Christ—not within the official structure, but among individual congregations wanting evangelical pastors.
 
The most exciting thing I have to report is an upcoming conference in Chicago next summer (I know, that seems a long, long way away!). ACR is sponsoring a conference for people interested in Mainline church ministry. Bristol House will sponsor and run the bookstore. I’ll be passing more information along later.
 
Cheer up! Thanksgiving is coming!
 
Sara
 
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August 18, 2009
Not Another Yip!
 
I am old enough to remember the television program “Thirtysomething.” I also recall a news magazine headline over a review of the program: “A taste of fine Whine.” I loved the pun and loved the sentiment. It seemed as if Michael and Hope, Elliot and Nancy, Ellyn, Melissa and Gary could rarely find joy and never find contentment. Of course, what’s a television drama without drama?
 
Still, too many of us (and I include me) fuss and whine about things that aren’t that important. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I watched a rerun on C-SPAN of Maria Shriver delivering her mother’s eulogy.  Eunice Kennedy Shriver, remembered as the driving force behind the Special Olympics, was portrayed by her daughter as a loving, encouraging and no-nonsense “Mummy.” Maria recalled when, as a 15-year-old on an African trip, she called home to comp lain about her living conditions. Eunice firmly told her that she must finish the job she was sent to do and concluded with, “I don’t want to hear another yip out of you!”
 
Sometimes we need to hear that. Sometimes I wonder if the Lord doesn’t get exasperated with my petty complaints. There are times I need to hear: “Not another yip!”
 
Sara
 
Oh, not to whine, but a new quarter of Sunday school begins soon. We will happily take your orders for material!
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July 16, 2009

Such a Deal!
 
I looked at an old post and realized I had promised to talk about the Evangelical Press Association convention held in Indianapolis in early May. This may be dated, but the impressions I gathered are still of interest—at least to me!
 
First, I was impressed by the quality of the member publications, and not just Christianity Today. Many magazines and newsletters produced by even small organizations on a tight budget offered excellent writing, design and photography. It reminded me of the skill and dedication of those who work on Christian publications. They are generally not in it for the money!
 
My second impression was more serious. A number of publications and individuals who won awards were not there to accept them. The publications no longer existed, and the individuals had lost their jobs. Some publications were still in business, but had made staff reductions.
 
My friends at Touchstone magazine, a wonderful, thought-provoking publication, are hanging in but reducing the number of issues they publish in a year. Many secular magazines are offering drastic cuts to subscription prices to enhance circulation numbers, the basis for advertising rates.
 
What does that have to do with us? Well, for one thing, we have always tried to keep quality high and prices low. Because of a new arrangement with the United Methodist Publishing House, we are able to offer the Faith Files midweek program at a significant discount. (UMPH and Bristol House, Ltd. developed the program together.) It is posted on this website. If you haven't tried it, you will find the program (books are photocopyable) biblically based, creative and adaptable.
 
Blessings,
Sara
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July 8, 2009
Somthing's Burning!
 
I am eagerly awaiting boxes of our new acolyte program, “Acolytes: Carrying the Fire,” to arrive from the printer. Our summer catalog mailing went out this week, and we’ve already had an order.
 
I am particularly excited about this study for any number of reasons. While visiting my long-time friend Ruth Burgner (sounds better than “old” friend) in Gainesville, Georgia, I discovered that her husband, Greg, had developed a unique training program for acolytes.
 
Instead of simply teaching youngsters how to light candles without setting the altar cloth on fire, he was giving them age-appropriate theology lessons. They were learning the colors of the church year and developing reverence for and understanding of church traditions.
 
“We need to publish this, Greg,” I said. Now Greg, who was shepherding his United Methodist congregation and working on a Doctor of Ministry degree, was interested but not very excited. I, however, was determined to provide this material to other pastors. What a wonderful opportunity it would be for them to have some “pre-confirmation” time with the young acolytes.
 
If you need anyone to give witness to my tenacity, ask Greg. Every so often Greg would call and ask me, “If you decide you don’t want to do this, I won’t be offended.”
 
“Of course I want you to write this,” I said. These tactful conversations went on for four or five years. Then, Cindy Lanning, editor extraordinaire, agreed to work with Greg on the project. They were the perfect team, since Cindy has had much experience working with curriculum, and Greg has taught the material a number of times.
 
So, I want to thank them both for their hard work and dedication in helping me fulfill one of my dreams for Bristol House, Ltd. and in offering pastors and Christian educators a wonderful resource. You two are fabulous!
 
Sara
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June 10, 2009
I’ve just come back from a wonderful trip to Scotland, and I will bask in the memories of that gorgeous and fascinating country for a long, long time. The European Union elections took place while I was there, and there was great speculation whether Gordon Brown would survive. The parliamentary system seems so strange to my American thinking, but it works in the United Kingdom.
 
I am not a golfer, although I recognize the reverence with which serious golfers view St. Andrews. It is probably similar to the delight I’d feel upon visiting Jane Austen’s home. I did see the Old Course and had  supper in a restaurant next to a newer course. (By the way, I dined on fish and chips, preceded by a serving of “cullen skink,” a Scottish soup. The name isn’t appetizing, but the combination of pureed cod and potatoes was delicious!)
 
I had always thought of St. Andrews as a sacred place to golfers, but I have since realized the importance the city played in the nurturing of Scottish Christianity. In fact, after the Vikings destroyed the abbey on Iona (an island off the west coast) in the ninth century, a cathedral was built in St. Andrews. It was destroyed by a hurricane several centuries ago, but the footings and some of the walls of the magnificent structure still stand.
 
Why the brief history lesson? It is good to be reminded of how God has worked in different cultures and in times long before American Christianity took root. More tales from across the pond will be coming in the next day or two.
 
Sara

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May 5, 2009 
New book! I am exceedingly delighted to announce the release of The Devotional Wesley: Inspirations from John Wesley’s Sermons by Dr. Cary Balzer. I think the best description of the book comes from Dr. Billy Abraham at Perkins School of Theology: "The material is organized in a user-friendly manner; it is peppered with appropriate hymns; and the commentary is wonderfully apt. Wesley is at his best as a spiritual director; this volume will take those who use it into a deeper and more satisfactory relationship with the living God.” While Cary was studying at the University of Manchester, England, he discovered great devotional insights from delving into Wesley’s writing. John Wesley’s sermons (in updated language) continue to engage us more than 200 years after they were written.
 
Awhile ago I told you I was about to attend the Christian Book Expo in Dallas. It was a well-organized event with individuals and churches in mind. There were panel discussions (including one with famous atheist Christopher Hitchens) and plenty of workshops. I attended several. The highlights were listening to 82-year-old J.I. Packer talking about his writing projects—enough to last 10 years. It was also delightful to hear Calvin Miller (Remember The Singer Trilogy?) talk about prayer in the Celtic tradition. I was told there would be another one next year. I may be there as a Bristol House displayer.
 
Tomorrow I’ll make the long journey to Indianapolis for the combined meetings of the Evangelical Press Association and the Associated Church Press. Years ago, when I worked on Christian magazines, I attended the EPA conventions regularly. Last year marked my first year back in more than 15 years. Hanging out with all the writers, editors, designers and photographers is exhilarating. I’m also looking forward to spending some time with my friend, Ruth Burgner, who is the Communications Director for The Mission Society. I ’ll let you know how it goes.
 
More later!
Sara
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March 17
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to those of you who claim an Irish relative. Mine was my great-grandmother, Esther Swan, an Irish Catholic who married one Alexander Anderson, a Scot Presbyterian. It was fortunate they met and married in Canada. Such unions could lead to bloodshed in the home countries!
 
Well, I have a wee bit for you to catch up on.
 
I just returned from meetings in Washington, D.C. and Orlando, Fla., both great places for a Hoosier to be in early March! The Association for Church Renewal, a gathering of Mainline church renewal leaders is always an inspiration. Many of these pastors have been battered by their denominational leaders for holding to theological orthodoxy and standards recorded in denominational by-laws and statements-of-faith. They have counted the cost and been willing to pay. For many years an informal organization, we just incorporated last year and have launched a web site and a news service
 
That gathering was followed by a board of directors meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals. I was nominated to the board by the late Diane Knippers, former president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, because she wanted to encourage participation by United Methodist, Episcopalians, Lutherans and others who didn’t feel comfortable with their denominations’ membership in the National Council of Churches. After four years on the board, I’m not certain that will happen. While we have tremendous respect for the NAE, living as evangelicals in a Mainline denomination is very different than being part of a church or organization that is predominantly evangelical. We shall see what happens.
 
I’m leaving for Dallas on Thursday for the first Christian Book Expo, so I’ll report on that later. In the meantime, watch for changes to our website.
Sara
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February 19, 2009
I trust you all enjoyed St.Valentine's Day, or at least survived it. A friend and I celebrated with "brunch" (late breakfast, really) at a local greasy spoon that has gone non-smoking. Her husband isn't really into that particular holiday, and my sweetie (a nine-year old Shetland Sheepdog named Sammy Sosa) doesn't check the calendar.

The youth of my church hosted at spaghetti supper Friday night that ended with quizzing couples about how much they knew of each other's likes and dislikes. The more-recently-marrieds did better than the long-termers. One person suggested it was because the longer-marrieds had more experiences and details to process. Perhaps that's true. And really, how important is it to recall the color of  your wife's hair when you met her?

That gives me an opportunity to plug one of our older, but still very helpful, books: 12 Keys to a Better Marriage by Paul Mickey and Bill Proctor. Even a relationship that's great can be even better--or so I've been told.

You might want to look for some updates to our website in the comming weeks. You'll find out more about the Bristol House staff and about how we got to where we are.

Sara
Sara L. Anderson is the Chief Operating Officer of Bristol House, Ltd.
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January 26, 2009
Winter is here in balmy Indiana. Down coats and boots are the fashion instead of shorts and t-shirts. We’re looking ahead to summer, especially with the recent release of our great new Vacation Bible School program.
 
Following the success of our previous photocopyable VBS programs—ArmorQuest and Solid Rock Construction Company (still available)—we’ve produced XStation+. It’s like playing a video game without the controller and the screen. That’s a good thing—really. Children learn about Bible heroes, build relationships with other children and leaders and do creative projects.
 
Developed and field-tested by Rev. Dewey and Shannon Miller, the program works well for any size VBS program. The photocopyable material and transparencies are priced at only $99. Craft ideas are fun projects without busting the budget.
 
You can call us or click on this site to order the notebook, or you can call us and request a free sample chapter. I have wonderful memories of Vacation Bible School—and XStation+ will help your kids form memories and learn biblical truths that will stay with them for a lifetime.
 
Sara Anderson

Sara L. Anderson is the Chief Operating Officer of Bristol House, Ltd.